MacLeod - CAP input still being accepted
Submitted by communications on Wed, 2010-12-01 15:41
Dec 01 2010

SYDNEY RIVER – Cape Breton MLA Alfie MacLeod has received a commitment from the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations that her office will continue to accept feedback regarding the Capped Assessment Program (CAP), even though the deadline was yesterday.

“On Sunday, a meeting was held in Grand Mira over concerns relating to the CAP. The local committee was expecting 30 people, yet more than 200 showed up,” said MacLeod in the Legislature. “I believe that is a strong indicator of how communities feel about the issue. They are concerned, scared and worried that if their property taxes increase too much, they may be driven from their homes.”
 
In a question to Minister Ramona Jennex, MacLeod requested she extend the deadline for consultation around the CAP to allow for further dialogue and discussion before the Department moves forward.
 
“We all must decide on priorities regarding our spending habits and that includes household budgets. However, when families are forced to make that change because of higher property tax rates, it can be the final economic blow,” said MacLeod. “The residents of Grand Mira are not alone in their concern. Would the Minister agree to extend the time allotted for consultation?”
 
When Minister Jennex committed to continue to accept feedback on the CAP, MacLeod thanked the Minister and applauded her decision.
 
“The CAP is an especially helpful and positive policy for seniors and families with low and fixed incomes,” said MacLeod. “I think the Minister understands that removing the CAP would present an additional and unnecessary hardship for Nova Scotians.”
 
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